Storms, possibly severe, to push through Minnesota Wednesday

Storms, with the chance of some being severe, are expected to move northeast through Minnesota Wednesday afternoon and evening.

A cold front is approaching from the Dakotas, which is expected to bring scattered thunder, heavy rain and the potential for severe weather to the northern and western parts of the state, the National Weather Service says. The storms will likely push across western Minnesota after 2 p.m., KSTP notes.

There is a slight risk for tornadoes in parts of western Minnesota, South Dakota and the southeastern corner of North Dakota Wednesday afternoon and evening. Paul Huttner wrote on MPR's Updraft blog that he wouldn't "be shocked if we see an isolated tornado or two."

He notes that the heaviest downpours will be in northern Minnesota and there's the potential for some weather watches and warnings throughout the state.

Severe weather isn't expected to reach the Twin Cities in what FOX 9 is calling a "hit and miss storm." It's likely that the metro area will only see rain and a few rumbles of thunder overnight.

Huttner says the chance for scattered storms in the metro will increase dramatically between 9 p.m. and midnight.

Rain showers may hang around Thursday morning, but as the day goes on clouds will decrease, KARE 11 reports. The high for Thursday is expected to be in the lower 70s.

Temperatures will return to the high 70s and low 80s on Friday and into the weekend for much of the state. There's also the possibility of a thunderstorm Saturday night into Sunday, the news station notes.